An Instagram user, called “Jenni M,” responded to Linton’s post and said:

“Glad we could pay for your little getaway. #deplorable”

Linton responded with absolutely no sense of irony by claiming Jenni M was “out of touch”.

“@Jennimiller29 cute!....Aw!! Did you think this was a personal trip?! Adorable! Do you think the US govt paid for our honeymoon or personal travel?! Lololol. Have you given more to the economy than me and my husband? Either as an individual earner in taxes OR in self sacrifice to your country? I’m pretty sure we paid more taxes toward our day “trip” than you did. Pretty sure the amount we sacrifice per year is a lot more than you’d be willing to sacrifice if the choice was yours. You’re adorably out of touch. Thanks for the passive aggressive nasty comment. Your kids look very cute. Your life looks cute. I know you’re mad but deep down you’re really nice and so am I. Sending me passive aggressive Instagram comments isn’t going to make life feel better. Maybe a nice message, one filled with wisdom and hunanity [SIC] would get more traction. Have a pleasant evening. Go chill out and watch the new game of thrones. It’s fab!”

Of the honeymoon request, the Treasury Department in a statement said the request was made because of the need for “access to secure communications”.

It was later deemed unnecessary when it became clear “secure communications” are also available on non-government jets.

In 2016, Linton came under fire for her self-published memoir, In Congo’s Shadow, which detailed her time as a student in Zambia. In July of 2016, Zambians, and their advocates, criticised Linton’s portrayal of Zambia as a war-torn, poverty-stricken nation with wild animals running through the streets.

Linton was also criticised for portraying herself as a white saviour. Under pressure, Linton withdrew the book from sale and pledged to give any proceeds to charity.